In a demanding opening day of India's sole tour match, the Sri Lanka Cricket XI challenged the visiting bowling attack, finishing the day having scored 363 runs for the loss of eight wickets at the NCC in Colombo. The hosts maintained a consistent run rate of 4.03, utilizing an aggressive approach that saw 47 boundaries, including six sixes, account for 55% of their total runs. At the close of play, Dilum Sudeera and Kesara Nuwantha remained at the crease.
India's bowling unit, which featured a mix of experienced and uncapped players, faced early pressure as the Sri Lankan openers built a 110-run stand. Nishan Fernando was a standout, striking 66 runs off 65 balls before a run-out cut his innings short. Ravindu Rasantha anchored the innings with a 143-ball 71, though he eventually fell to the spin of Manav Suthar. Despite several batters reaching double digits, the SLC XI struggled to convert starts into larger totals, losing momentum after being 171 for 1 at one stage.
The Indian spinners led the attack, with Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Manav Suthar each claiming two wickets. Kuldeep Yadav proved to be the most active bowler, delivering 18 overs. Gurnoor Brar added a single wicket, while the team also benefited from a run-out. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Saransh Jain remained wicketless throughout the day.
The dismissal patterns were a point of concern for the home side, with several soft exits occurring. Pasindu Sooriyabandara was bowled by Jadeja, and Pavan Rathnayake was caught at backward square leg off Brar. Following these losses, the team slipped to 246 for 4. Further pressure from Kuldeep Yadav saw the removal of Ahan Wickramasinghe and Anjala Bandara. A late 63-run partnership between Ramesh Mendis and captain Sonal Dinusha provided some stability, but Mendis was eventually caught by Devdutt Padikkal at first slip off Jadeja. Shortly before stumps, Suthar trapped captain Dinusha leg before wicket for 52, concluding an eventful day of cricket.
That was Jadeja's second, to go with Kuldeep's pair, and Suthar would soon join them sneaking one under Dinusha's sweep to trap the skipper leg before for a 72-ball 52 minutes before the close of play.
Ravindu RasanthaNishan FernandoSonal DinushaSri Lanka Cricket XIIndiaSLC XI vs IndiaIndia tour of Sri Lanka
